What to bring to a first consultation

Less than you think, and more than most people bring.

You don't need to organize anything. Bring it as it is. But a few specific things make the difference between an hour spent on background and an hour spent on your actual question.

If you already have an entity

• Your formation documents. Articles of organization or incorporation, whatever the state sent back.

• Your operating agreement or bylaws. Even if you've never read it. Especially if you've never read it.

• Your EIN letter. The one from the IRS with the number on it.

• Your most recent annual report or state filing.

• Your last business tax return, if there's been one.

If you don't have an entity yet

Nothing. Just be ready to describe what you're building.

What actually helps most

A few sentences, in advance, covering:

• How the business makes money. Not what it does — how cash arrives.

• Who else is involved. Partners, investors, family, anyone with a claim to some of it.

• Where you operate. Every state where you have people, property, or regular activity.

• What's prompting this. The trigger. A bank problem, a partner conversation, a deal, an accountant's comment.

What people apologize for and shouldn't

Not having an operating agreement. Not knowing what state they formed in. Having a structure someone else built that they can't explain. Not having read anything they signed.

None of that is unusual and none of it is a problem. It's the ordinary starting point.

One honest note

If something is a mess, say so early. I'd much rather spend the hour on the actual situation than discover it in the last ten minutes.

What to do

Send what you have a day or two ahead. Anything received less than 24 hours before we talk may not get read in time.

This is general information, not legal advice for your situation. If you want an answer for your business, book a consultation.